Financing Options for Foreign Borrowers

If you are a Foreign National interested in investing in Hawaii real estate, and will require financing, here are a few tips to help you get prepared:

Minimum down and Maximum Loans Amount

All Property Types including Condotels

Minimum 30% down up to $1,500,000 loan amount
Minimum 35% down up to $2,000,000 loan amount
Minimum 40% down up to $5,000,000 loan amount

Typical Program Types

The most popular loan programs in the U.S. are the 30-year and 15-year fixed rate mortgages. The fixed rate mortgages are now available for foreign borrowers. However, the most popular loan program for foreign borrowers is the 10-year ARM.

U.S. ARM loan programs are similar to the variable rate available in most countries. However, the U.S. mortgage is amortized over 30 years and does not have a prepayment penalty.

The U.S. ARM loan programs offer an initial fixed rate of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. Once you are past the initial fixed rate period, the rate will adjust one time ever year for the remaining loan term.

Income Documentation:

U.S. Mortgages now require full income documentation for a minimum of 2 years. Income must be documented via Federal and Corporate/Business Tax Returns, as well as current paystubs when applicable.

Asset Documentation:

Full liquid asset documentation is required. Assets are usually documented via 2-3 months of bank, stock, mutual fund and/or retirement statements. Please note that we may not be able to use 100% of the value of retirement accounts.

All Documents must be translated into English by a bank-approved company. For a complete list of documents required to process your loan:Document Check List

Closing Costs:

U.S. closing costs are different than in other countries. The common and standard fees required by banks/lenders in the U.S. are:

Points: a fee (percentage of loan amount…1 point equates to 1% of loan amount) that has a direct relationship with the rate. The higher the points, the lower the rate and vice versa. Zero point options are now available to foreign borrowers.

Lender Fees: Underwriting, Loan Docs, Admin, Processing, Funding… some or all of these may be applicable and will be disclosed with our initial Lender’s Estimate.